Accreditation assessments in 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for the health system. In some instances, this may impact the ability of hospitals and day procedure services to participate in on-site accreditation assessments to the NSQHS Standards.
To provide certainty for health service organisations, and to facilitate accreditation assessments proceeding where possible, the following provisions for accreditation assessments apply in 2022:
- On-site assessment is to proceed, whenever safe and feasible.
- Hybrid assessment may occur where it is not possible for a full assessment team to be on site. This assessment involves part of the assessment team being on site and part of assessment team off site.
- Off-site virtual assessment may be allowed in exceptional circumstances. All virtual assessments must be followed up with an on-site assessment.
- Accreditation can be maintained and the accreditation expiry date revised by up to six months. This option is available to health service organisations with assessments scheduled before 31 July 2022 that are experiencing COVID-19 related disruptions or unable to proceed due to public health orders imposing travel and border restrictions.
To find out how these arrangements apply to you, download the fact sheet:
2022
Fact sheet or brochure
To provide certainty for health service organisations, and facilitate accreditation assessments proceeding where possible, provisions for accreditation assessments will apply during 2022.
Requests for approval of hybrid or virtual assessments and extensions to accreditation expiry
Applications for hybrid or virtual assessment and extensions to accreditation expiry can be submitted to the Commission for consideration using the form below. All applications will need to provide a strong rationale in compliance with the eligibility criteria. For information of the criteria for approval refer to Fact sheet: Accreditation assessments in 2022. Based on the evidence and rationale provided, the Commission will determine approval on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, please contact the Safety and Quality Advice Centre email AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au or call 1800 304 056